Systems and methods for interactive drone experiences

Abstract

The entertainment system includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine a correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device, the correlation based on proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device and at least one of a location of the drone within a zone of the plurality of zones, an additional location of the interactive toy device within a zone or an additional zone of the plurality of zones, a non-position-based physical attribute of the drone, or an additional non-position-based physical attribute of the interactive toy device. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to activate a toy response among the plurality of toy responses based on the correlation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 112,950, filed November 12, 2020, and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE DRONE EXPERIENCE," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Theme parks or amusement parks are becoming increasingly popular and are being developed to provide guests with immersive experiences. For example, amusement parks include entertainment systems such as interactive attractions that are intended to enhance these immersive guest experiences. Unfortunately, conventional interactive attractions may be technologically limited in ways that make the immersive experience lengthy, generic, and simplistic. Indeed, it has been recognized that improvements in amusement park interactive experiences are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments within the scope of the originally claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a drone configured to be maneuvered across a plurality of zones, an interactive toy device configured to be actuated to trigger a plurality of toy responses, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine a correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device, the correlation based on proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device and at least one of a location of the drone within a zone of the plurality of zones, an additional location of the interactive toy device within a zone of the plurality of zones or an additional zone, a non-position-based physical attribute of the drone, or an additional non-position-based physical attribute of the interactive toy device. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to activate a toy response of the plurality of toy responses based on the correlation.

[0006] In one embodiment, an interactive drone system includes a drone and an interactive toy device. The system also includes a beacon including a transmitter having a signal transmission range. The beacon is configured to determine the presence of the drone. In response to determining the presence of the drone, the beacon is configured to transmit a signal over the signal transmission range so as to be receivable by the interactive toy device. A first interactive toy device of the interactive toy devices is configured to receive the signal and, in response to receiving the signal, to operate to cause a first toy response of a plurality of toy responses, the first toy response being based on a correlation between the first interactive toy device and the drone.

[0007] In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors of the entertainment system, cause the one or more processors to perform various actions. The instructions cause the one or more processors to determine a first location of a first interactive toy device, determine a second location of a second interactive toy device, and determine a third location of the drone. The instructions cause the one or more processors to determine a first proximity between the first interactive toy device and the drone based on the first location and the third location, and in response to determining that the first proximity is less than a proximity threshold, cause the first interactive toy device to cause a first toy response of a first plurality of toy responses, each toy response of the first plurality of toy responses corresponding to a relationship between a first non-position-based physical attribute of the first interactive toy device and an additional non-position-based physical attribute of the drone. The instructions also cause the one or more processors to determine a second proximity between the second interactive toy device and the drone based on the second location and the third location, and, in response to determining the second proximity to be less than a proximity threshold, actuate the second interactive toy device to cause second toy responses of the second plurality of toy responses, each toy response of the second plurality of toy responses corresponding to a relationship between a second non-location-based physical attribute of the second interactive toy device and an additional non-location-based physical attribute of the drone.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interactive drone system for an amusement park, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]2 is a schematic diagram of two interactive toy devices of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1, including some reactions for the two interactive toy devices, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 with a control assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 with a control assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 with a control assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of operation of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control decision of the control assembly of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control decision of the control assembly of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described herein. It is understood that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system- and business-related constraints. It is further understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] The present disclosure relates generally to entertainment systems and methods (e.g., for use in amusement parks) that enable interactive drone experiences. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to interactive drone systems and methods that trigger responses of an interactive toy device based on correlation between the interactive toy device and at least one drone that can be piloted throughout various areas of the amusement park.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, an interactive drone system includes at least one drone and a plurality of interactive toy devices. The interactive toy devices may be distributed to guests at an amusement park, for example. In certain embodiments, a plurality of different types of interactive toy devices may be distributed to guests at the amusement park. For example, a first interactive toy device may include a first color, such as red, and a second interactive toy device may include a second color, such as blue. However, the interactive toy devices may be distinguished through additional or alternative characteristics, such as size or shape. In certain embodiments, the interactive toy devices may include different human or animal characteristics, such as faces. These human or animal characteristics may also be distinguishing characteristics of the interactive toy devices. For example, a first face of a first interactive toy device may be different from a second face of a second interactive toy device. Indeed, the first face of a first interactive toy device may include thick eyebrows, while the second face of a second interactive toy device may include thin eyebrows. The various interactive toy devices may additionally or alternatively correspond to characters in a story known to at least some of the guests at the amusement park. For example, a first interactive toy device may correspond to a villain (e.g., antagonist) of the story, and a second interactive toy device may correspond to a hero (e.g., protagonist) of the story. Additionally or alternatively, a first interactive toy device may correspond to a sidekick of the story, and a second interactive toy device may correspond to a main character of the story. The interactive toy devices may include characteristics corresponding to these characters of the story. It should be understood that the above examples of distinguishing characteristics among the various interactive toy devices are non-exclusive.

[0014] As previously mentioned, different interactive toy devices can be distributed to different guests visiting the amusement park. The interactive toy devices can be portable, wearable, or of other sizes and shapes so that guests can move around the park with the interactive toy devices on their bodies. Thus, different interactive toy devices can be distributed to zones of the amusement park as different guests with different interactive toy devices move throughout the zones of the amusement park. Additionally, some interactive toy devices can be permanently installed in different areas of the amusement park.

[0015] The interactive drone system also includes at least one drone. The drone can be flown or otherwise controlled about the aforementioned zones of the amusement park. For example, the drone can be preprogrammed to fly along a predefined course through various zones of the amusement park. In some embodiments, the drone's path can be fully or partially automated via a controller. Additionally or alternatively, the drone's path can depend at least in part on feedback received by the controller. For example, feedback (e.g., sensor feedback) indicative of weather, guest distribution throughout the amusement park, and other factors can be received by the controller and taken into account by the controller when automatically determining and controlling the drone's movement. In still other embodiments, the drone can be fully or partially controlled via a manually operated control device (e.g., a remote control), such as by amusement park employees or guests via the controller.

[0016] Each of the interactive toy devices can be configured to react in response to a drone coming within a predefined proximity of the interactive toy device (e.g., within the same zone as the interactive toy device). For example, a sensor and controller can be utilized to determine the proximity between the drone and the first interactive toy device, and the first interactive toy device can be controlled to react when the proximity is below a predefined proximity threshold. In some embodiments, the proximity threshold can correspond to a predefined distance between the interactive toy device and the drone, such as 50 feet. The interactive toy device can be controlled to react when the interactive toy device is positioned at an actual distance from the drone that is equal to or less than the predefined distance (e.g., the interactive toy device is 50 feet or less away from the drone). In other embodiments, the proximity threshold simply corresponds to the common residence of the interactive toy device and the drone in a particular predefined zone of the amusement park. That is, the proximity threshold is met when the interactive toy device is in the same zone as the drone.

[0017] In the above-described embodiments, the specific type of reaction exhibited by the interactive toy device can be selected based on the correlation between the interactive toy device and the drone. While proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device is considered one factor in the correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device, other factors can also be considered when determining when and how the interactive toy device will react. That is, the interactive toy device can enable multiple reactions, and a specific reaction from the multiple reactions can be triggered in response to a specific correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device. Because the proximity can trigger a reaction, the proximity can be considered part of the correlation between the first interactive device and the drone according to the present disclosure.

[0018] It should be noted that "proximity" according to the present disclosure refers to the proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device (e.g., based on the distance between the drone and the interactive toy device, or based on the drone and the first interactive toy device being in the same zone). Proximity can be determined based on the actual distance between the toy and the drone being less than a predefined threshold distance, or proximity can be determined based on the toy and the drone occupying a common predefined zone.

[0019] Furthermore, location-based features can also be taken into consideration when determining and triggering interactive toy responses. "Location" according to the present disclosure can refer to a particular zone in which an interactive toy device is present or a zone in which a drone is present. That is, "proximity" refers to the proximity between a drone and an interactive toy device regardless of location, while "location" refers to the actual location of the toy, drone, or both, regardless of "proximity."

[0020] For example, a first interactive toy device can be located in a first zone of an amusement park and can react in a particular way while in the first zone. Indeed, when a drone comes into close proximity to the interactive toy device (e.g., when the drone and the interactive toy device are both resident in the first zone), the proximity threshold described above can be met, and the interactive toy device can exhibit a first reaction corresponding to the first zone. If the first interactive toy device and the drone simultaneously occupy, for example, a second zone different from the first zone, the first interactive toy device can exhibit a second reaction different from the first reaction corresponding to the second zone. That is, in either case, the proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device is determined, and a reaction of the interactive toy device is triggered based on that proximity. The particular type of reaction exhibited by the interactive toy device in this case depends at least in part on the particular location (e.g., first zone, second zone, etc.) in which the interactive toy device is located. In embodiments where proximity is determined based on a predefined threshold distance (as opposed to, for example, the toy and drone being in the same zone), the particular reaction exhibited by the toy may depend on the zone in which the toy itself is located, the zone in which the drone itself is located, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In addition to the above, when a drone approaches the second interactive toy device and the first interactive toy device, if both are present in the first zone, the second interactive toy device may react differently than the first interactive toy device. In some embodiments, the first interactive toy device and the second interactive toy device may react differently at a single or similar point in time. Indeed, the above-mentioned color, size, shape, or other non-location-based physical characteristics or attributes (e.g., aesthetic characteristics) of the interactive toy devices, such as face, may dictate the type of reaction exhibited by the interactive toy devices. For example, the first interactive toy device in the first zone may correspond to the hero of the story and may react with joy when a drone approaches the first interactive toy device, while the second interactive toy device in the first zone may correspond to the villain of the story and may react with anger when a drone approaches the second interactive toy device. The reaction may include, for example, a change in color, size, or shape, or a change in facial expression (e.g., smiling, frowning, yawning, yelling, crying, screaming, etc.), among other possible reactions. Note that "position" according to this disclosure can broadly refer to both proximity and location. That is, references above and below to "non-position-based physical characteristics" can mean characteristics of the drone, the interactive toy device, or both, involving size, shape, color, character, face, or any other aesthetic or functional feature. In other words, "non-position-based physical characteristics" exclude "proximity" and "location" characteristics.

[0022] In certain embodiments, multiple drones may also be utilized. Furthermore, the drones may be of different types (e.g., based on size, shape, color, facial characteristics, or character in a story). Thus, the correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device that dictates the type of response exhibited by the interactive toy device may depend on the physical attributes of the drone, such as size, shape, color, character, or face. For example, an interactive toy device having a first color (e.g., red) may react differently to a first drone having a second color (e.g., blue) than it does to a second drone having a third color (e.g., green).

[0023] Depending on the embodiment, the non-location-based physical characteristics of the interactive toy device, the drone, or any combination thereof can be detected or determined in multiple ways. For example, the interactive toy device may include a physical identifier such as an RFID chip or tag, a barcode, a QR code, a physical mark, or other identifier corresponding to the type of interactive toy device (e.g., size, shape, color, face, or character in a story). Similarly, the drone may include a physical identifier corresponding to the type of drone (e.g., size, shape, color, face, or character in a story). The controller may determine the non-location-based physical characteristics of the correlation between the interactive toy device and the drone based on the identifiers without detecting each of the non-location-based physical characteristics itself, but instead simply by detecting the corresponding identifier, which is stored in memory. However, in certain embodiments, detection hardware (e.g., sensors) may be utilized to detect the non-location-based physical characteristics of the drone and the interactive toy device. Additionally or alternatively, detection hardware (e.g., sensors) may be utilized to detect the location and / or proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device, as described above. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, detection of a physical identifier is not required. For example, in certain embodiments, a response to a particular toy device may be determined based on proximity and / or location characteristics.

[0024] As alluded to in the above description, a correlation between a particular drone and a particular interactive toy device can include multiple factors, including proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device, the location of the interactive toy device, the location of the drone, non-location-based physical characteristics (e.g., aesthetic characteristics) of the interactive toy device, non-location-based physical characteristics (e.g., aesthetic characteristics) of the drone, etc. Each correlation can include a corresponding response of the interactive toy device in question. By utilizing the above-described features in the disclosed interactive drone system, unique and immersive interactive guest experiences can be created. That is, guests can participate in an attraction multiple times and receive a different experience each time (e.g., by occupying different zones of the amusement park, by encountering different types of drones within the amusement park, by having different types of interactive toy devices, etc.). These and other features are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an interactive drone system 10 for an amusement park 11. In certain instances in this disclosure, the interactive drone system 10 may be referred to as an entertainment system. The interactive drone system 10 may include a drone 12, a control assembly 13, and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, and 20. In some embodiments, as will be described in more detail with reference to subsequent figures, a global controller is not utilized; instead, control features (e.g., processor, memory) are distributed across various components of the system 10. Generally, one or more processors and one or more memories may be utilized by the system 10 of the present disclosure and distributed among various components of the system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. Variations in control distribution are provided with reference to subsequent figures.

[0026] 1, multiple different types of interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 may be utilized. For example, interactive toy devices 16, 18, 20 may correspond to a first type having diamond-shaped features 17, 19, 21, and interactive toy device 14 may correspond to a second type having triangular-shaped features 15. As previously mentioned, interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 may include other distinguishing characteristics such as size, color, shape, story character, or facial features. Diamond-shaped features 17, 19, 21 and triangular feature 15 are examples and are representative of any number of different characteristics (e.g., color, team affiliation, shape, character type).

[0027] The amusement park 11 may be divided into various zones 22, 24, 26, as shown. The boundaries of these zones 22, 24, 26 may be stored in the memory of the control assembly 13 (e.g., as part of a map of the amusement park 11 stored in the memory). Additionally or alternatively, the boundaries of these zones 22, 24, 26 may be defined by various beacons configured to communicate with the toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and / or drone 12. For example, each beacon associated with each zone may be configured to send and receive communications to and from the devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and / or drone 12, and in some embodiments, the range of each beacon may define the zones 22, 24, 26 of the amusement park 11. That is, the various zones 22, 24, 26 may correspond to the communication ranges of the beacon's signal emitters and / or detectors.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, interactive toy devices 14, 16 are in a first zone 22, interactive toy device 18 is in a second zone 24, and interactive toy device 20 is in a third zone 26. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, drone 12 is in second zone 24. As previously mentioned, these zones 22, 24, 26 may correspond to the range of wireless communication from signal emitters and / or detectors (e.g., beacon technology).

[0029] Each of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 can be configured to exhibit a reaction in response to a correlation between the respective interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, or 20 and the drone 12. That is, a first correlation can be determined by the control assembly 13 between the first interactive toy device 14 and the drone 12, a second correlation can be determined by the control assembly 13 between the second interactive toy device 16 and the drone 12, a third correlation can be determined by the control assembly 13 between the third interactive toy device 18 and the drone 12, and a fourth correlation can be determined by the control assembly 13 between the fourth interactive toy device 20 and the drone 12. The various correlations can be determined taking into account position-based and non-position-based physical characteristics of the drone 12 and / or interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. The position-based characteristics may include the independent or relative positions of the drone 12 and / or the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, the position-based characteristics may include the zones 22, 24, 26 in which the drone 12 and / or the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 reside. Additionally, the position-based characteristics may include the proximity between the drone 12 and the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. That is, a first distance 34 between the first interactive toy device 14 and the drone 12, a second distance 36 between the second interactive toy device 16 and the drone 12, a third distance 38 between the third interactive toy device 18 and the drone 12, and a fourth distance 40 between the fourth interactive toy device 20 and the drone 12 may be determined by the control assembly 13 and may be one of multiple factors included in the above-described correlation between the drone 12 and the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. In some embodiments, a reaction may be triggered based on one of the distances 34, 36, 38, or 40 being less than a predefined threshold distance.For example, in one embodiment, the third interactive toy device 18 may react in response to the distance 38 being less than a predetermined threshold distance or proximity (e.g., stored in the memory of the control assembly 13), with the type of reaction depending on the correlation between the drone 12 and the third interactive toy device 18.

[0030] It should be noted that the distances 34, 36, 38, 40 may measure the distance from the corresponding interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 to a center point or area 39 (e.g., a sensing area) of the drone 12. The distances 34, 36, 38, 40 may be determined by a sensor in the control assembly 13, such as an infrared (IR) sensor. In one embodiment, an IR transmitter may be located on each of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and an IR receiver may be located on the drone 12, or vice versa. IR transmitter and receiver pairs may be utilized to determine the various distances 34, 36, 38, 40. In certain embodiments, relative proximity may additionally or alternatively be determined based on the drone 12 being in one of the zones 22, 24, 26 in which one or more of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 are present. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the drone 12 and the third interactive toy device 18 are in the second zone 24. Thus, a response of the third interactive toy device 18 may be triggered based on relative proximity (e.g., the drone 12 and the third interactive toy device 18 being in the same zone 24). In these and other embodiments, a beacon corresponding to each of the zones 22, 24, 26 may be utilized to detect the presence of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and / or the drone 12, and the beacon may be utilized to transmit a communication to the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 (e.g., to initiate a response of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the drone 12.

[0031] In addition to triggering a reaction in response to proximity between the drone 12 and, for example, the third interactive toy device 18, the control assembly 13 may trigger a particular type of reaction depending on the location of the drone 12 and / or the third interactive toy device 18. That is, the third interactive toy device 18 may exhibit a first reaction, such as a smile, when the drone 12 and the third interactive toy device 18 are in close proximity and the third interactive toy device 18 and / or the drone 12 is in the second zone 24. However, the third interactive toy device 18 may exhibit a second reaction, such as a frown, when the drone 12 and the third interactive toy device 18 are in close proximity and the third interactive toy device 18 and / or the drone 12 is in the third zone 26.

[0032] Additionally, the particular reactions of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 can depend on non-position-based physical characteristics (e.g., aesthetic or functional characteristics) of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and / or the drone 12. That is, the non-position-based physical characteristics can be part of the correlations described above that dictate the type of reaction exhibited by the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, an interactive toy device 16, 18, 20 having a diamond-shaped feature 17, 19, 21 can react in a first way (e.g., crying) to close proximity with the drone 12, while an interactive toy device 14 having a triangular-shaped feature 15 can react in a second way (e.g., laughing) to close proximity with the drone 12. Thus, for example, a toy associated with the hero team can exhibit a happy characteristic when a drone associated with the hero team is nearby, while the same toy can exhibit a disgusted emotion when a drone associated with the villain team is nearby. Of course, the correlations that determine the type of response of the interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 can be multi-factorial, including non-position-based physical characteristics of the drone 12 in question, non-position-based physical characteristics of the interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 in question, the location of the drone 12 in question, the location of the interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 in question, and other factors.

[0033] Various control schemes for utilizing the above-described effects are illustrated in and described with reference to Figures 3-6. First, various possible response embodiments for the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 are shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the first interactive toy device 14, having a triangular-shaped feature 15, can be controllable to respond with a smile response 41, a frown response 42, and a cheerful response 44. The second interactive toy device 16, having a diamond-shaped feature 17, can be controllable to respond with a horizontal open-mouth response 46, a vertical open-mouth response 48, or a diagonal mouth response 50. The responses 41, 42, 44, 46, 48, and 50 can be triggered by activating mechanical features of the toy devices 14, 16, or the responses 41, 42, 44, 46, 48, and 50 can be triggered via digital displays on the interactive toy devices 14, 16. For example, the facial features of the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 can be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 and can be digitally controlled. It should be understood that the reactions described above are non-limiting examples. Examples of other types of reactions can include mechanically or digitally presented reactions, including making a sound, speaking a phrase, blinking an eye, flapping a wing, wagging a tail, lifting a hat, shaking a fist, nodding a head, and any other mechanical, audio, or visual action.

[0034] It should further be understood that the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 may be capable of exhibiting, for example, the same types of reactions while still enabling the unique immersive guest experience described in this disclosure. Indeed, the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 may include the same subset of available reactions but react differently in response to different correlations. For example, the first interactive toy device 14 and the second interactive toy device 16 may both be capable of a smile reaction 41, but the first interactive toy device 14 may exhibit the smile reaction 41 in response to a different correlation than the second interactive toy device 16. In one embodiment, the first interactive toy device 14 can show a smile response 41 based on the first interactive toy device 14 being present in the first zone 22 shown in FIG. 1, based on close proximity to the drone 12, and based on the first interactive toy device 14 having a triangular-shaped feature 15, and the second interactive toy device 16 can show a smile response 41 based on the second interactive toy device 16 being present in the second zone 24 of FIG. 1, and based on the second interactive toy device 16 having a diamond-shaped feature 17. 2 in response to close proximity with the drone 12, the first interactive toy device 14 being in the second zone 24, and the first interactive toy device 14 having the triangular shaped feature 15, and the second interactive toy device 16 in response to close proximity with the drone 12, the second interactive toy device 16 being in the first zone 22, and the second interactive toy device 16 having the diamond shaped feature 17. In some embodiments, and / or in response to certain correlations, the first interactive toy device 14 and the second interactive toy device 16 may exhibit different reactions at a single or similar point in time.

[0035] Further, it should be noted that the correlation between the drone 12 and the various interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 can be a multi-factor correlation. For example, referring again to FIG. 1 , the zone 22, 24, 26 in which a particular one of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 resides can be a first factor of the multi-factor correlation, the zone 22, 24, 26 in which the drone 12 resides can be a second factor of the multi-factor correlation, a non-location-based physical characteristic (e.g., size, shape, color, or character) of a particular one of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 can be a third factor of the multi-factor correlation, and a non-location-based physical characteristic of the drone 12 can be a fourth factor of the multi-factor correlation. In practice, multiple drones (including the drone 12) can be utilized, each having a distinguishing non-location-based physical characteristic (e.g., size, shape, color, face, character in a story). Of course, as explained above, the relative proximity between the drone 12 and a particular one of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 required in some embodiments to trigger a response can also be considered part of the multi-factor correlation described above. Such relative proximity can be based on common residence in one of the zones 22, 24, 26 or a proximity threshold distance that exceeds a measured distance between the drone 12 and one of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20.

[0036] In some embodiments, sensor feedback and / or beacons may be part of or utilized by the control assembly 13 to determine various correlations between the drone 12 and the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. That is, the control assembly 13 may include sensors or receive sensor feedback. Of course, as previously explained, the control assembly 13 shown schematically in FIG. 1 may represent various control components distributed across various components of the system 10. For example, the control assembly 13 may include one or more processors, one or more memories, and one or more sensors, where the one or more processors receive data from the one or more sensors and determine at least a portion of the aforementioned correlations based on the sensor feedback. Control features and exemplary control distribution of the control assembly 13 are shown in FIGS. 3-5 and are described in more detail below.

[0037] 3 is a schematic diagram of the interactive drone system 10 of FIG. 1 having a control assembly including first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the first beacon 52 corresponds to the first zone 22, the second beacon 54 corresponds to the second zone 24, and the third beacon 56 corresponds to the third zone 26. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third zones 22, 24, 26 are defined by the corresponding signal ranges of the first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56, respectively.

[0038] Each of the first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56 may be configured to communicate with the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20, the drone 12, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second beacon 54 may be able to detect the drone 12 and / or any of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 within range (e.g., within the corresponding second zone 24) and send communications to the drone 12 and any of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 within range (e.g., within the corresponding first zone 22). In some embodiments, the first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56 may not be configured to detect the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20, but instead will transmit signals that will be received by any interactive toy devices within range. In the illustrated embodiment, the second beacon 54 can detect a drone 12 in the second zone 24 and a third interactive toy device 18 in the second zone 24. Upon detecting that the third interactive toy device 18 and the drone 12 occupy the same second zone 24, the second beacon 54 can transmit a communication (e.g., wireless communication) to the third interactive toy device 18. The third interactive toy device 18 can receive the communication and react in a particular manner in response to the communication.

[0039] In some embodiments utilizing first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56, the first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56 can determine at least a portion of the correlation that dictates a particular response exhibited by the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. In Figure 3, for example, the second beacon 54 can detect that the third interactive toy device 18 includes a diamond shape 19, and the second beacon 54 can cause the third interactive toy device 18 to respond based on the diamond shape 19 via communication (e.g., wireless communication) as described above. In another embodiment, the second beacon 54 can instruct the third interactive toy device 18 to respond, but the third interactive toy device 18 itself (e.g., its processor) at least partially determines the appropriate response.

[0040] However, it should be noted that multiple drones may be available and / or the type of drone being utilized may be unknown to the interactive toy devices 16, 18, 20, and the type or characteristics of the drone being utilized may play a role in determining the type of response exhibited by the various interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, a first response of a third interactive toy device 18 may be determined based on a first physical characteristic of the drone 12 that is paired with the diamond 19 of the third interactive toy device 18, while a second response of the third interactive toy device 18 may be determined based on a second physical characteristic of the drone 12 that is paired with the diamond 19 of the interactive toy device 18.

[0041] These pairings of physical non-location based characteristics can be determined via the embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, each of the first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56 can be configured to detect the presence of an interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 within range, detect the type of interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20, detect the presence of a drone 12 (or drone) within range, detect the type of drone 12 (or drone), determine an appropriate toy response based on the presence and type of the interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 and drone 12, and communicate commands to the interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 indicating the appropriate toy response. However, other control schemes are possible.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the interactive drone system 10 of FIG. 1 with a control assembly, including the control assembly 13. As previously described, the system 10 can include a drone 12 and multiple interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 also includes a second drone 86. The drone 12 and the second drone 86 include identifying non-position-based physical characteristics. For example, the first drone 12 includes a circular shape 91 attached thereto, and the second drone 86 includes a square shape 93 attached thereto. Again, the shapes (e.g., the circular shape 91 and the square shape 93) represent any of a variety of different characteristics (e.g., color or association with a group, such as a hero or villain). As previously described, these non-position-based physical characteristics of the drones 12, 86 can at least partially dictate how nearby ones of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 react. These and other features are described in more detail below.

[0043] The control assembly 13 of the system 10 includes one or more controllers 23 having one or more processors 70, one or more memories 72, and communication circuitry 74. Additionally, the control assembly 13 in the illustrated embodiment includes a database 75 and first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors 76, 78, 80, 82, 84. The first sensor 76 may correspond to the first drone 12 of the system 10, the second sensor 78 may correspond to the second drone 86 of the system 10, the third sensor 80 may correspond to the first zone 22 (e.g., of the amusement park 11), the fourth sensor 82 may correspond to the second zone 24 (e.g., of the amusement park 11), and the fifth sensor 84 may correspond to the third zone 26 (e.g., of the amusement park 11). The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 can be configured to monitor their associated hardware. That is, the first and second sensors 76, 78 can monitor the position of the drones 12, 86, while the third, fourth, and fifth sensors 80, 82, 84 can monitor various devices located at ground level in the first, second, and third zones 22, 24, 26 (e.g., the third sensor 80 can monitor the position of the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16, the fourth sensor 82 can monitor the position of the third interactive toy device 18, and the fifth sensor 84 can monitor the position of the fourth interactive toy device 20). More or fewer sensors can be utilized according to this embodiment. For example, each interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 can include one or more dedicated sensors. Furthermore, a single sensor can monitor the position of two drones 12, 86. It should be noted that the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 may include any suitable type of sensor, such as a camera, an infrared (IR) sensor, or the like.

[0044] The controller 23 may receive data from one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth sensors 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 and use the data to determine the locations of the drones 12, 86 and devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and the relative proximity between each drone 12, 86 and each interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20. As described with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the sensor feedback may be taken into account by the controller 23 in determining when and how each interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 will react. For example, the memory 72 may include stored instructions that, when executed by the processor 70, cause the processor 70 to determine correlations to be utilized by the controller 23 to command various responses of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. The communications circuitry 74 of each controller 23 may be configured to send communications (eg, reaction instructions) to each of the interactive toy devices 14 , 16 , 18 , 20 .

[0045] As previously described, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sensors 76, 78, 80, 82, 84 (and / or other sensors), or feedback therefrom, may be utilized to determine non-position-based physical characteristics of the various drones 12, 86 and / or interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. However, in some embodiments, the non-position-based physical characteristics may be correlated with identifiers of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 stored in one or more memories 72 of one or more controllers 23. That is, the control assembly 13 may determine the non-position-based physical characteristics without detecting the non-position-based physical characteristics itself, but instead simply by detecting the presence of the drones 12, 86 and / or interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and referencing a look-up table (e.g., stored in memory 72) that indicates the non-position-based physical characteristics and / or an appropriate correlation-based response. In some embodiments, the presence of the drone 12, 86 and / or interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 can be detected via a physical identification feature (e.g., an RFID tag, a QR code, a bar code, a physical symbol, an alphanumeric character, etc.) disposed on or within the drone 12, 86 and / or interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20. For example, the second drone 86 includes a physical identification feature 87 that can correspond to an RFID tag or chip, a QR code, a bar code, an alphanumeric character, or any other suitable identifier, where the physical identification feature 87 indicates that the second drone 86 is of a type that includes a square 93 feature. After identifying the interactive toy device 14, 16, 18, 20 based on the above-described identifier, the controller 23 can consult a lookup table stored in memory 72 to determine a non-location-based physical characteristic (e.g., an aesthetic characteristic or a functional characteristic) associated with the identifier.

[0046] In some embodiments, a database 75 of the control assembly 13 may be utilized to store certain of the above-described data (e.g., look-up table(s)) and communicate relevant data to the processor 70 or memory 72 as needed to determine the appropriate response of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. Additionally, in some embodiments, ambient sensors 98 may be utilized, and the correlation between the drones 12, 86 and the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 (and the subsequent response of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20) may depend in part on these ambient conditions. For example, the ambient sensors 98 may communicate data indicative of ambient conditions (e.g., ambient weather, ambient temperature, ambient lighting, guest density throughout various zones of the amusement park). In some embodiments, ambient conditions (e.g., weather conditions) may be scrubbed from a weather broadcast service by the controller 23. Based on the position-based characteristics (e.g., proximity and location) and non-position-based physical characteristics (e.g., size, shape, color, character, or face) of the drones 12, 86 and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20, the controller 23 can determine when and how each of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 will react.

[0047] As previously explained, it should be understood that the controller 23 can be separate from the drones 12, 86 and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20, or can reside in whole or in part on the drones 12, 86 and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. Furthermore, the processor 70, memory 72, and communications circuitry 74 can be divided into multiple processors 70, memories 72, and communications circuitry 74, either separate from or integral with the drones 12, 86 and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20. Generally, the control assembly 13 and corresponding controller 23 operate to determine correlations between the drones 12 and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20, and between the drones 86 and interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20, and to command the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 to react based on the correlations.

[0048] 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the interactive drone system 10 of FIG. 1 with a control assembly 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a first guest 100 is positioned within a barrier 105. The first guest 100 is wearing a first interactive toy device 14 and a first additional handheld device 101, such as a cell phone or other customer interface device. A second guest 102 is positioned outside the barrier 105. The second guest 102 is wearing a second interactive toy device 16 and a second handheld device 103, such as a cell phone or other customer interface device. The control assembly 13 includes first and second cameras 90, 92. The first camera 90 monitors the drone 12, and the second camera 92 monitors the first interactive toy device 14 and the second interactive toy device 16. The controller 23 control assembly 13 also includes at least one processor 70, at least one memory 72, and communications circuitry 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the communications circuitry 74 includes a wireless transmitter 110 configured to transmit instructions to (e.g., control the responses of) the first interactive toy device 14 and the second interactive toy device 16.

[0049] According to the present disclosure, the control assembly 13 may be able to motivate the first and second guests 100, 102 to behave in a manner that allows the corresponding first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 to react in accordance with the previous discussion regarding the correlation between the first and second interactive toy devices 14, 16 and the drone 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second camera 92 may not be able to see the first interactive toy device 14 because the first guest 100 is located within the barrier 105. However, the control assembly 13 may be aware of the presence of the first interactive toy device 14 through other means (e.g., RFID tracking or a geolocation sensor). Furthermore, the first guest 100 may not be able to see the drone 12 while the first guest 100 is within the barrier 105. Thus, the control assembly 13 (e.g., via the wireless transmitter 110) may request that the first guest 100 exit the physical barrier 105 so that the first guest 100 can see the drone 12 and / or so that the second camera 92 can see the first interactive toy device 14.

[0050] The above-mentioned request can be transmitted by the wireless transmitter 110 to the communication interface of the first handheld device 101 or the communication interface of the first interactive toy device 14. When the first guest 100 complies with the request and exits the physical barrier 105, the second camera 92 can view the first interactive toy device 14 and alert the processor 70. That is, the control assembly 13 can determine and / or establish a line of sight between the first interactive toy device 14 and the drone 12 via the control features described above. In response to the alert, the processor 70 can cause the wireless transmitter 110 to instruct the first interactive toy device 14 to react in accordance with the above-mentioned correlation calculation (e.g., the correlation between the first interactive toy device 14 and the drone 12). By motivating the first guest 100 to move away from the physical barrier 105 so that they can see the drone 12, and by initiating the first interactive toy device 14's reaction only after the second camera 92 sees the first interactive toy device 14, the first guest 100 may better understand (e.g., based on the correlations described above) why the first interactive toy device 14 is reacting in a particular way, thereby improving the immersive guest experience. In other words, the above-described scheme allows the first guest 100 to observe the drone 12 as the first interactive toy device 14 reacts, thus contextualizing the reason for the reaction to the first guest 100.

[0051] The above-described incentive awarding scheme may be utilized via any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5. For example, a camera may not be required for the above-described incentives to be effective. In one embodiment, for example, the wireless signals transmitted by the first, second, and third beacons 52, 54, 56 of FIG. 3 may be blocked by a physical barrier, such as the barrier 105 of FIG. 5. However, the location of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 may still be monitored. For example, the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 may be equipped with a location tracker, such as a global positioning (GPS) tracker, whose signals are not blocked by the barrier 105. Thus, although the presence or location of the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 is known, if the interactive toy devices 14, 16, 18, 20 are blocked by the barrier 105 or some other barrier, no signals may be received from the corresponding beacons 52, 54, 56. When this condition is detected, a communication can be triggered to a guest (e.g., the first guest 100 in FIG. 5 ) to move away from the physical barrier 105. In some embodiments, the communication can be sent to the first guest 100 (i.e., the CID 101 of the first guest 100) via the interactive toy device itself or via a communication component capable of communicating a signal through the physical barrier 105.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 200 for operating the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, method 200 includes receiving sensor data indicative of a characteristic of an interactive toy device (block 202). For example, the characteristic may include a location-based characteristic and a non-location-based characteristic. The location-based characteristic may include, for example, the location of the interactive toy device in a particular zone of an amusement park. The non-location-based characteristic may include, for example, the color of the interactive toy device, the shape of the interactive toy device, the size of the interactive toy device, the face of the interactive toy device, the character of the interactive toy device in a story, and other characteristics. As previously described, in some embodiments, the interactive toy device may include a physical identifier, such as a barcode, an alphanumeric identifier, a QR code, or an RFID tag or chip. The identifier may indicate a non-location-based physical characteristic of the interactive toy device. That is, the controller receiving the sensor data indicative of a characteristic of the interactive toy device may ascertain the non-location-based physical characteristic based on detection of the physical identifier.

[0053] Method 200 also includes receiving sensor data indicative of a characteristic of the drone (block 204). For example, the characteristic may include a location-based characteristic and a non-location-based characteristic. The location-based characteristic may include, for example, the location of the drone in a particular zone of an amusement park. The non-location-based characteristic may include, for example, the color of the drone, the shape of the drone, the size of the drone, the face of the drone, the team it belongs to, the character of the drone in the story, and other characteristics. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the drone may include a physical identifier such as a barcode, an alphanumeric identifier, a QR code, or an RFID tag or chip. The identifier may indicate a non-location-based physical characteristic of the interactive toy device. That is, the controller receiving the sensor data indicative of a characteristic of the interactive toy device may ascertain the non-location-based physical characteristic based on detection of the physical identifier.

[0054] Method 200 also includes determining a correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device (block 206). For example, method 200 may include determining that the drone is blue, the interactive toy device is red, and the drone and the interactive toy device are in a first zone of an amusement park. Method 200 also includes determining a reaction of the interactive toy device corresponding to the correlation (block 208). For example, the correlation may correspond to a smiling reaction, while a different correlation may correspond to a frowning reaction.

[0055] Method 200 also includes determining whether the interactive toy device is in close proximity to the drone (block 210). In some embodiments, proximity may be considered part of a correlation. Proximity may be determined based on a comparison of the location of the drone and the location of the interactive toy device. In one embodiment, a distance between the drone and the interactive toy device may be determined, and "close proximity" may be determined based on the distance being less than a proximity threshold. In another embodiment, "close proximity" may be determined based on the interactive toy device and the drone being in the same zone of the amusement park. If the drone and interactive toy device are not in close proximity (block 212), method 200 begins again at block 202. If the drone and interactive toy device are in close proximity (block 214), method 200 includes activating the interactive toy device to cause the response determined in block 208 (block 216).

[0056] As previously mentioned, the present disclosure includes determining a correlation between a drone and an interactive toy device and triggering a response of the interactive toy device based on the correlation. The correlation can include several factors (e.g., two, three, four, or more factors). FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a control decision for the control assembly of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1 , whereby the correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device includes at least two factors. For example, the X-axis 250 of the illustrated control plot 252 corresponds to a non-position-based physical characteristic (e.g., color) of the interactive toy device, including blue, red, and green. The Y-axis 254 of the illustrated control plot 252 corresponds to a non-position-based physical characteristic (e.g., color) of the drone, including blue, red, and green. In an embodiment in which a red interactive toy device is in proximity to a red drone, the correlation illustrated in the control plot 252 corresponds to a shout response 256 of the interactive toy device. As shown, other responses corresponding to other correlations are possible.

[0057] 8 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the control decision of the control assembly of the interactive drone system of FIG. 1, where the correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device includes at least three factors. For example, the X-axis 250 and the Y-axis 254 in control plot 258 of FIG. 8 are the same as the X-axis 250 and the Y-axis 254 in control plot 252 of FIG. 7. However, in FIG. 8, the Z-axis 260 corresponds to the location (or zone) where the interactive toy device is located. Thus, the color of the drone, the color of the interactive toy device, and the zone where the interactive toy device is located can all be correlation factors for determining the corresponding response of the interactive toy device.

[0058] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that any of the features illustrated or described with respect to the above-described figures can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0059] The approaches presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the art of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]" or "step for [performing] [function]," such elements shall be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements shall not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10. Interactive Drone System 11. Amusement Park 12. Drone 13 Control Assembly 14, 16, 18, 20 Interactive toy devices

Claims

1. 1. An entertainment system comprising: a drone configured to be operated across multiple zones; an interactive toy device configured to be activated to cause a plurality of toy responses; one or more processors; one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored thereon; Equipped with The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: Correlation between the drone and the interactive toy device: proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device; at least one of a location of the drone within a zone of the plurality of zones, a second location of the interactive toy device within the zone or an additional zone of the plurality of zones, a non-location-based physical attribute of the drone, or an additional non-location-based physical attribute of the interactive toy device; Based on the activating a toy response from the plurality of toy responses based on the correlation; So that, Entertainment system.

2. one or more sensors configured to detect the position of the drone and the second position of the interactive toy device; the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine proximity between the drone and the interactive toy device based on sensor feedback from the one or more sensors indicating the location and the second location.

10. The entertainment system of claim 1.

3. 2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to actuate the interactive toy device to cause the toy response in response to determining that the proximity is below a proximity threshold.

4. 2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine the correlation based on a relationship between the non-location-based physical attribute of the drone and the additional non-location-based physical attribute of the interactive toy device.

5. 2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the non-location-based physical attributes of the drone include a color of the drone, a size of the drone, or a shape of the drone, and the additional non-location-based physical attributes of the interactive toy device include a color of the interactive toy device, a size of the interactive toy device, or a shape of the interactive toy device.

6. 2. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to select the toy response from the plurality of toy responses based on the correlation and ambient conditions.

7. The entertainment system of claim 6 , comprising at least one sensor configured to detect the ambient conditions, the ambient conditions including ambient temperature, ambient brightness, or ambient weather conditions.

8. an additional interactive toy device separate from the interactive toy device, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determining an additional correlation between the drone and the additional interactive toy device based on an additional proximity between the drone and the additional interactive toy device, the location of the drone within the zone of the plurality of zones, a third location of the additional interactive toy device within the zone of the plurality of zones, the additional zone, or a third zone, the non-location-based physical attribute of the drone, or a third non-location-based physical attribute of the additional interactive toy device; activating an additional toy response different from the toy response of the plurality of toy responses based on the additional correlation; 10. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein:

9. 9. The entertainment system of claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to activate the interactive toy device to cause the toy response and activate the additional interactive toy device to cause the additional toy response at a single point in time.

10. 10. The entertainment system of claim 1, comprising a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with the interactive toy device and to instruct the interactive toy device to activate and cause the toy response based on the correlation.

11. an additional drone configured to be piloted across the plurality of zones, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determining an additional correlation between the additional drone and the interactive toy device based on an additional proximity between the additional drone and the interactive toy device, a fourth position of the additional drone within the zone, the additional zone, or a third zone of the plurality of zones, the second position of the interactive toy device, a second non-location-based physical attribute of the drone, or the additional non-location-based physical attribute of the interactive toy device; activating an additional toy response different from the toy response of the plurality of toy responses based on the additional correlation; 10. The entertainment system of claim 1, wherein:

12. An interactive drone system, comprising: Drones and a plurality of interactive toy devices; a beacon including a transmitter having a signal transmission range; Equipped with The beacon determining the presence of said drone; transmitting a signal receivable by the plurality of interactive toy devices over the signal transmission range in response to determining the presence of the drone. It is configured as follows: a first interactive toy device of the plurality of interactive toy devices; receiving the signal; operative to cause a first toy response of a plurality of toy responses in response to receiving the signal; It is configured as follows: the first toy response is based on a correlation between the first interactive toy device and the drone; The correlation is proximity between the drone and the first interactive toy device; at least one of a location of the drone within a zone of the plurality of zones, a second location of the first interactive toy device within the zone or an additional zone of the plurality of zones, a non-location-based physical attribute of the drone, or an additional non-location-based physical attribute of the first interactive toy device; is based on, Interactive drone system.

13. an additional beacon including an additional transmitter having an additional signal transmission range; The additional beacon determining the presence of additional drones; transmitting an additional signal receivable by the plurality of interactive toy devices over the additional signal transmission range in response to determining the additional presence of the drone. It is configured as follows: the first interactive toy device of the plurality of interactive toy devices; receiving the additional signal; operative to cause a second toy response of the plurality of toy responses in response to receiving the additional signal; It is configured as follows: the second toy response is based on an additional correlation between the first interactive toy device and the drone and is different from the first toy response; The interactive drone system of claim 12.

14. The interactive drone system of claim 12 , wherein the correlation includes a non-location-based physical attribute of the first interactive toy device and an additional non-location-based physical attribute of the drone.

15. the first interactive toy device and a second interactive toy device of the plurality of interactive toy devices; the second interactive toy device receiving the signal; operative to cause a second toy response of the plurality of toy responses in response to receiving the signal; It is configured as follows: the second toy response is based on an additional correlation between the second interactive toy device and the drone and is different from the first toy response; The interactive drone system of claim 12.

16. Equipped with additional drones, The beacon determining an additional presence of said additional drone; transmitting, in response to determining an additional presence of the additional drone, an additional signal receivable by the plurality of interactive toy devices over the signal transmission range. It is configured as follows: the first interactive toy device of the plurality of interactive toy devices; receiving the additional signal; operative to cause a second toy response of the plurality of toy responses in response to receiving the additional signal; It is configured as follows: the second toy response is based on an additional correlation between the first interactive toy device and the additional drone. The interactive drone system of claim 12.

17. 1. An entertainment system having one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer readable media storing instructions, The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors of the entertainment system, cause the one or more processors to: determining a first position of the first interactive toy device; determining a second position of the second interactive toy device; Determine the third position of the drone, determining a first proximity between the first interactive toy device and the drone based on the first location and the third location; in response to determining that the first proximity is less than a proximity threshold, operate the first interactive toy device to cause first toy responses of a first plurality of toy responses, each toy response of the first plurality of toy responses corresponding to a relationship between a first non-location-based physical attribute of the first interactive toy device and an additional non-location-based physical attribute of the drone; determining a second proximity between the second interactive toy device and the drone based on the second location and the third location; in response to determining the second proximity is less than the proximity threshold, operate the second interactive toy device to cause second toy responses of a second plurality of toy responses, each toy response of the second plurality of toy responses corresponding to a relationship between a second non-location-based physical attribute of the second interactive toy device and an additional non-location-based physical attribute of the drone; Entertainment system.

18. 18. The entertainment system of claim 17, wherein the first plurality of toy responses is the same as the second plurality of toy responses, and the first toy response is different from the second toy response.

19. the first non-position-based physical attribute comprises a first color of the first interactive toy device, a first shape of the first interactive toy device, or a first size of the first interactive toy device; the second non-position-based physical attribute comprises a second color of the second interactive toy device, a second shape of the second interactive toy device, or a second size of the second interactive toy device; The additional non-location-based physical attributes include an additional color of the drone, an additional shape of the drone, or an additional size of the drone; or including any combination of these 18. The entertainment system of claim 17.

20. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determining a line of sight between the drone and the first interactive toy device; in response to determining that the line of sight is unobstructed, actuating the first interactive toy device to cause the first toy response of the first plurality of toy responses; 18. The entertainment system of claim 17.

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